Former Indian expat student in UAE dies in UK bike crash

Sharjah: A former Indian expat student in the UAE has died in a motorbike crash in the UK, leaving his family living in Sharjah devastated.

The deceased is Jefferson Justin, a 27-year-old graphic designer. He is survived by his parents and elder brother living in the UAE and a younger brother in Bangalore, India.  

Jefferson was returning from work when the tragedy took place on Friday, his father Justin Pereira told Gulf News on Sunday.

According to a report in the BBC, his motorbike crashed into a wall in Leeds and police were called to Wellington Road shortly after 5.30pm local time.

The family hailing from the south Indian state of Kerala was informed after the police, referencing his license and registered address, reached out to his roommate.

The accident reportedly happened while he was negotiating a turn. The single-seater bike skidded and collided with the wall, the family was informed.

“It is not a powerful bike. He used to ride it mainly for commuting to work. He used to wear all safety gear. We are awaiting investigation reports to know how exactly it happened,” said Justin.

He remembered his son as a “very smart boy.” “He was good at his work. He found his own way.”

Jefferson had completed his schooling at Emirates National School in Sharjah and did his undergraduate studies in Kerala. He went to the UK for his master’s in graphic designing at Coventry University and secured a job there after that.

His family now wishes to lay him to rest in the UAE.

“He was born and brought up here. We have been living here for 35 years. He used to come here for every vacation. His friends are all here. Hence, we wish to bring him over here if there are no legal hurdles,” said Justin.